Today a minority of Senators once again used obstructionist
filibuster tactics to block a vote on an outstanding nominee to the
United States Court of Appeals. Bill Myers has had a distinguished
career as a public servant and practicing attorney and enjoys
widespread support from across the political spectrum, yet he has been
denied a simple up-or-down vote.

These tactics are unfair to Bill Myers and unfair to the American
people. Bill Myers has the support of a bipartisan majority of
Senators and would be confirmed if given an up-or-down vote. He would
be an asset to the Ninth Circuit, which is seriously overworked and in
need of more judges. He would fill a seat that has been designated a
judicial emergency by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
More Americans will be denied speedy access to our justice system by
the obstruction of a few.

I continue to call on the minority in the Senate to stop playing
politics with the American judicial system and give judicial nominees
the fair treatment they deserve and the American people expect.